David Zaslav Says Donald Trump’s Re-Election Could Offer Media Business “A Pace Of Change And An Opportunity For Consolidation”

deadline.com:

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said Donald Trump‘s re-election as president bodes well for media M&A. “We have an upcoming new administration,” the exec noted during WBD’s quarterly earnings call Thursday. “It’s too early to tell, but it may offer a pace of change and an opportunity for consolidation that may be quite different, that would provide a real positive and accelerated impact on this industry that’s needed.

These are great companies. If the best content is going to win, there needs to be some consolidation in order to have these businesses be stronger and have a better consumer experience.” Zaslav’s comments came after WBD reported third-quarter results, with streaming growth offset by a Barbie-less film slate.

He spoke with the conviction of someone who not only commands a major media company but also the fervor of someone who has fumbled with a remote control in the living room. “I’ve been saying for a long time that this is an industry that really needs to meaningfully consolidate,” he said. “It’s really driven by the consumer experience.

Consumers put on their TV set and they see 16 apps and each of those is doing different pricing, you’re sitting there with your phone and Googling where a show is or where a sport is.